No lap of honour as Eagles prepare for Suns fortress

The Eagles' shock 37-point western derby win over Fremantle last week marked the first time since 2021 the club had posted back-to-back AFL wins.

West Coast have the chance to make it three in a row when travel to face Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

The Eagles' recent wins over Richmond and Fremantle came in typically-dry Perth conditions.

West Coast are expecting a major difference on the Gold Coast, where it's far more humid and showers are forecast for Sunday's game.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said his team had used wet balls at training this week to prepare for the game.

"We put some balls in eskies," Simpson said of Thursday's training session.

"There's the skill level and the slippery ball - those type of things.

"It's not an excuse. The boys adapt pretty quick. And that's why it's a home ground advantage (for Gold Coast).

"When teams come over here and it's 28 degrees and a fast deck, we'd like to think it's an advantage to us.

"I suppose anywhere, anytime has got to be your attitude. We go up there as underdogs, but we look forward to it."

West Coast's recent wins have sparked hope their rebuild may not be as painful as first thought.

But Simpson isn't getting carried away.

"The exciting part is it's a bit of reward for effort. But we're also very clear there's so much work in front of us, we're not delusional," he said.

"We haven't done a lap of honour this week."

West Coast have rested emerging star Harley Reid for this week's trip, while defender Tom Barrass will miss the match through suspension.

Premiership forward Liam Ryan returns for his first match since tearing his hamstring in round three last year.

Gold Coast are 3-0 at home this season after beating Richmond, Adelaide and Hawthorn.

"We're looking forward to making it 4-0 this week," co-captain Touk Miller said.

Australian Associated Press